WWE taped the following for tonight’s NXT episode:
The Vaudevillains vs. Hugo Knox and Tucker Knight
Elias Samson vs. Steve Cutler
Emma w/Dana Brooke vs. Santana Garrett
Neville vs. NXT Champion Finn Balor in a non-title match
Austin Aries debuts
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingINC
Regarding Shinsuke Nakamura officially signing with WWE NXT, it was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio and in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion looks to be the first NXT Superstar to receive WWE main event level money.
No word yet on how much time Nakamura will spend in NXT but all signs point to a significant run there. It’s very interesting how WWE is paying big money for Nakamura if they have a lengthy NXT run planned for him.
The signing has been treated like a major sports story in Japan. The February 22nd press conference in Tokyo at the Hard Rock had more than 100 reporters, photographers and videographers.
The following is scheduled for tonight’s 2/24 WWE NXT on the WWE Network:
* NXT Women’s Champion Bayley & Carmella vs. Eva Marie & Nia Jax
* American Alpha vs. Blake & Murphy w/Alexa Bliss
* Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bull Dempsey
* Apollo Crews vs. Chris Girard
Source: WrestlingINC
Could Bulletproof be the new name for The Bullet Club in WWE NXT? It’s believed Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson are headed to NXT now that they are done with New Japan Pro Wrestling and a new teaser from NXT Champion Finn Balor has furthered the speculation.
Below is the teaser from Balor, which was re-tweeted by WWE:
Source: WrestlingINC
Japanese wrestling reporter Enuhito noted on Twitter that Karl Anderson just revealed he’s going to WWE. Anderson appeared with partner Doc Gallows in what was apparently their final New Japan Wrestling appearance today. They defeated The Briscoes the day before. Anderson reportedly told fans he wants to come back but has to go find out “who he is.” No updated word yet on Doc Gallows coming in but he’s expected to join Anderson. Below are Enuhito’s tweets and a photo of the two from Japan:
Source: WrestlingINC
A while back WWE applied to trademark “The Revival” for use with a character. WWE NXT Tag Team Champions Dash and Dawson have used the hashtag on Twitter but now they’re being billed as “The Revival” at NXT live events.
The following is scheduled for tonight’s 2/17 WWE NXT on the WWE Network:
* #1 Contenders Match: Sami Zayn vs. Samoa Joe
* Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady & American Alpha vs. NXT Tag Team Champions The Mechanics & Blake & Murphy
* Alex Riley vs. Tye Dillinger
* Asuka vs. Liv Morgan (Deonna Purrazzo)
Source: F4WOnline via WrestlingINC
In regards to WWE NXT Champion Finn Balor coming to the main roster, he could be called up by the end of the year but there are still short-term plans for him to be the face of NXT, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Live today.
There is still talk of having Samoa Joe defeat Balor for the NXT Title at NXT Takeover: Dallas, but that is not a lock.
We noted before that there has been talk of bringing Joe to the main roster, possibly as soon as the post-WrestleMania RAW, but a title win would extend the Balor vs. Joe feud and keep Joe in NXT for a little while longer.
Source: WrestlingINC
There was a scary moment at Thursday night’s WWE NXT live event in Jacksonville, FL. Wrestling Inc. correspondent Travis Akers noted that during a 6-man tag match between Dawson, Dash & Riddick Moss vs Sami Zayn, Enzo & Cass, Riddick was injured during a 6-man suplex. Riddick immediately went unconscious and the ref gave the “X”, as seen in the video below.
In a very scary moment, he did not respond for over a minute. Paramedics arrived and assisted Riddick out of the ring and to the back after he regained consciousness.
Akers asked Cass about Riddick after the show, who said Riddick hit hard and it was bad. As seen in the photo below, officials helped take Riddick out of the building.
Source: PWInsider Elite via WrestlingINC
As of this past week, WWE NXT regulars Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa were still not signed to deals. There’s a feeling that they will be signed eventually but WWE is in no hurry as the current situation works for all sides. The two are available when WWE needs them but they’re still able to work indies and make money there.
